Huntsville Independent School District

Calendar Reminder: All HISD Campuses & Facilities will be CLOSED on Monday, January 15, 2024, in observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day holiday. Parents, please be sure you have made alternative arrangements for any childcare needed as there will be no school on Monday.

Dear Huntsville ISD Families, Over the past year, our District Design Committee has been working to determine the best plan to present to our Huntsville ISD Board of Trustees to address potential rezoning of our elementary school attendance boundaries. The primary focus is what is best for our students, and what would be the least disruptive to our families. The committee’s work has been the culmination of an effort that began with conversations regarding boundary adjustments before the 2021 bond election, as at that point Huntsville Elementary School was already overcrowded. We have since utilized four portable classrooms to accommodate staff and students there. Additionally, the overwhelming success of our bond demonstrated that our community believes our children will be more successful with a new Pre-K to Fifth Grade alignment, so we are moving Pre-K and 5th grade to the elementary campuses. This exacerbates an already overcrowded situation, forcing us to modify boundary lines to even out the population amongst our four elementary schools. The District Design Committee conducted two workshops with our Board of Trustees over the last two months, and also presented their findings at the regularly scheduled Board of Trustees Meeting in November. We want to reshare this information in the accompanying video @ https://youtu.be/_Vkp394IvZo to help make our community aware of the main areas that are under consideration. A few things to keep in mind as you view the zoning maps: The maps show potential changes that are still under consideration. We are studying the number of students that live in these areas that would be affected. This is a notification that resident elementary students in these areas might change school zones. Depending on available space, there is a chance that even if your student is rezoned, there may be an opportunity for your student to finish out their elementary years at their current school. The main areas under consideration are: (1) The area on the map along the I-45 corridor and Hwy 75 N between the Huntsville Elementary School and Samuel W. Houston Elementary zones, which is currently zoned for Huntsville Elementary, could possibly be rezoned to Samuel W. Houston Elementary to relieve overcrowding at Huntsville Elementary School. (2) The area on the map in the northeast Riverside and Wood Farm Road area that is currently zoned to Huntsville Elementary School could possibly be rezoned to Scott Johnson Elementary to alleviate overcrowding at Huntsville Elementary. (3) The area indicated on the map at the far east end of the district, just south of Hwy 190 that is currently zoned to Estella Stewart Elementary, could possibly be rezoned to Scott Johnson Elementary. (4) The southwest area of the map on FM 1375 (behind the Texas Grand Ranch) that is currently zoned to Samuel W. Houston Elementary could possibly be rezoned to Estella Stewart Elementary. (5) The area in town roughly between Montgomery Rd. and Ave M and stretching northeast to Bearkat Blvd. and SH 19 that is currently zoned to Samuel W. Houston Elementary could potentially be rezoned to either Scott Johnson Elementary or Estella Stewart Elementary. We would like to reiterate that none of these changes are for certain and that we are resharing to keep you informed of potential changes. It is likely the Board of Trustees will approve any boundary adjustments in January 2024 to allow planning time for next school year. Please feel free to share any comments regarding these potential changes by emailing communications@huntsville-isd.org. NOTE: This Parent Notice was emailed to HISD families at 3:15 PM today, 12/20/2023 which also included a link to our video as well as a map with highlighted/circled areas for those wanting more details on the areas under consideration for potential change.

Huntsville ISD had the privilege of sponsoring the 2023 Mance Park Lifetime Achievement Award which was presented during the Huntsville-Walker County Chamber of Commerce 89th Annual Awards Gala on Saturday evening, December 9th. This year’s recipient was our very own Huntsville Elementary School’s Vanetta Mills. A Huntsville native, Vanetta is a proud 1984 Huntsville High School Hornet graduate. She has worked for Huntsville ISD for 35 years and enjoys her work today serving as the cornerstone of Huntsville Elementary School as the longtime Administrative Assistant to the campus principal.  As the glue that holds her campus together, she has not only dedicated her life to serving Huntsville ISD but also to this Huntsville community.  As the founder and president of the Community Praise Ministry, a local nonprofit organization, Vanetta’s servant heart and volunteer spirit has made an everlasting impact on so many lives.  The Community Praise Ministry is involved in a number of volunteer activities in the community such as the MLK Day Celebration, a mentoring program, a summer enrichment program as well as providing a scholarship program for students.  But what they are best known for is their annual Back to School Supply Giveaway event that ensures our local families in need do not have to worry about school supplies for their children.  Vanetta spearheads an army of volunteers from local churches, community organizations, and individuals who come together to raise funds and collect donations throughout the year to then distribute supplies at their Back to School end of summer event. Over the years, the event has grown exponentially into an impressive collaboration between the school district, faith-based partners, businesses and others to provide a welcome back carnival-style celebration to give away school supplies to any child in need.  Vanetta’s love and dedication to serving others has left a positive and lasting impression on thousands of children and families in this community and the surrounding area.  Vanetta Mills is a treasure, and this world is a better place because she’s in it.    The plaque on the gorgeous glass award read, “Like Mance Park you have molded the lives of so many individuals, contributing great value to our community and to this world!” Congratulations to Vanetta! It was an honor for HISD to help recognize such an exceptional and deserving woman. Mance Park would be so proud!!! #HornetProud #BuildingChampions

PSA: Expect Police & Emergency Services at HHS on Sat, Dec 9 for CJ Student Competition - Huntsville ISD would like to make you aware of a Criminal Justice Program Student Competition taking place on the campus of Huntsville High School on Saturday, December 9, 2023. Please do NOT be alarmed by the increased presence of law enforcement and emergency services personnel from various agencies partnering with the HHS CJ Program to provide expertise and support for the competition. You may observe numerous vehicles entering/exiting the campus, hear sirens or see their lights flashing all throughout the day's event.

We got SPIRIT, Yes WE do! The Varsity Football fans, Cheerleaders, and Grenadier Guard Drill Team did not let us down during last Friday Night's football game, that's for sure! #BuildingChampions #HornetProud

HHS Military Marching Band enjoying and having the time of their lives performing and cheering on the Varsity Football Team at last Friday Night's football game! #BuildingChampions #HornetProud

What an OUTSTANDING Football Season we had! The Varsity Football Team played their hearts out at their last game of the season last Friday night. #BuildingChampions #HornetProud

SAVE THE DATE - EARLY RELEASE DAY ON WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20: All Huntsville ISD campuses will have EARLY RELEASE @ 1:00 PM for students on Wednesday, December 20 for the winter holiday break. *HHS students will follow their final exam schedule. Afternoon Bus Routes will have earlier drop off times than normal. Parents should make alternative arrangements for any after school care, if needed.

All Huntsville ISD Campuses & Facilities will be CLOSED for the WINTER BREAK from Thursday, December 21 through Wednesday, January 3 in observation of the Christmas & New Year's holidays. HISD Employees will return to work on Thursday, January 4th & HISD Students will return to school for the second semester on Monday, January 8. Parents, please be sure that you have made alternative arrangements for any childcare needed during the closure. On behalf of the HISD Board of Trustees, Superintendent Dr. Scott Sheppard & the HISD Administration, we wish everyone a very safe & happy winter holiday break.

Dear Parents/Guardians, Huntsville ISD will have an Early Release Day this Friday, December 1, 2023, with all campuses dismissing early at 2:30 PM.  This new early release time will hopefully allow our Hornet Nation football fans and families to attend the Hornet playoff game scheduled for that evening in Houston.  HISD Transportation will also run afternoon bus routes earlier than normal times.  Parents should make any arrangements necessary to accommodate this early dismissal time including arranging for after school care, if needed.  The Huntsville Hornet Varsity Football team won the Regional 3 Semifinal playoff game on Friday, November 24, 2023, against Richmond Randle to advance to the fourth round of the playoffs!  The Regional Quarterfinal Championship game between the Huntsville Hornets and the Port Neches-Groves Indians will be played this Friday, December 1, 2023, at 7:00 PM at the NRG Stadium in Houston, TX.  Huntsville ISD encourages all citizens to join us to pack the stands at NRG to cheer on our hometown Hornets!  The following preliminary game day information is being shared now with our Huntsville Hornet fans.  Additional details regarding stadium parking and entry, playoff shirt sales, as well as the online ticket purchasing will be shared on hornetnation.org and social media as it becomes available. TICKETS PRICES: All tickets are General Admission.  Pre-sale ticket prices are Students $7 (with code) and Adults $13 (with code). All tickets at the gate will be $16.  Children 2 and older will need a ticket.  FAN PARKING & STADIUM ENTRY: NRG Park is cashless.  There will be a $20 Parking fee per space.  The Hornets will be the VISITING team.

While most of us were enjoying our Thanksgiving Break, our Hornet Varsity Football Team played hard on winning against Richmond Randle and won the game 14-13 in the Regional Semi Final Championship Game on Friday Nov 24.2023!

DISTRICT HOLIDAY REMINDER - Monday-Friday, November 20-24 ALL Huntsville ISD Campuses & Facilities will be CLOSED for the Thanksgiving break. We are counting our blessings for our wonderful Huntsville community. We wish you all a very HAPPY THANKSGIVING & safe holiday break!

WOW- What a WIN!! Congratulations to our Bi-District Champion Hornet Varsity Football Team! Our Hornets beat the Texas City Stingarees 10-7! #HornetProud #BuildingChampions

We were shared this remarkable photo taken by Jennifer Reynolds and published in the Galveston County Daily News. It's a photo taken after the game, where she captured one of our Hornet players consoling a Texas City Stingaree player. What a moment. Beautiful. See more photos and read James Lacombe's article here: https://www.galvnews.com/.../article_e4492a12-6b34-519b... Thank you to Jennifer Reynolds and The Galveston County Daily News #BuildingChampions #HornetProud

Our 18+ Students spend their days on the move- each day working and learning at another job site (Huntsville State Park, The COME Center, HEB Huntsville, Goodwill and here at Double Dave's) along with running the coffee and snack carts at Huntsville High School. At Double Dave's, they have a quick meeting with Mrs. Winston and review their week, then they split up for cleaning duties. After a good sweep, they fold pizza boxes and after that, a well deserved cold drink! These students are capable, and want to help and make a difference. Thank you to all these businesses that give them the opportunity- we couldn't do it without them! We're making a video that showcases the program- consider this a sneak peak! #HornetProud #BuildingChampions

The Huntsville High School Career and Technical Education Department welcomed local Veterans for the Career and Technical Education Department Veterans Day Appreciation Showcase. Thank you to all our Veterans!

HISD GT Referral Window OPEN through November 17, 2023: The HISD Gifted & Talented Program referral window is NOW OPEN for students in grades K-11. Kindergarten testing will begin in December and parents will receive notification of results by March 1, 2024. Testing for grades 1-11 will occur during the spring semester on each campus. Parents and principals will be notified of the results in June, and services for qualifying students will begin in the fall of the 2024-2025 school year. La ventana de referencia para el programa de Dotados y Talentosos está abierta para estudiantes de Huntsville ISD en los grados K-11. Las pruebas para estudiantes en kinder comenzarán en diciembre y los padres recibirán una notificación de los resultados antes del 1 de marzo de 2024. Las pruebas para los grados 1-11 se realizarán durante el semestre de primavera en cada escuela. Los padres y directores serán notificados de los resultados en junio y los servicios para los estudiantes que califiquen comenzarán en el otoño del año escolar 2024-2025. To refer a student please complete the referral form / Para recomendar a un estudiante, complete el formulario de recomendación usando este enlace @ https://www.huntsville-isd.org/.../gifted-talented-program.

Huntsville Hornet Varsity Football Team Played a tough game at last night's game, but was cheered on the whole time by the HHS Military Marching Band, HHS Cheerleaders, and HHS Grenadier Guard Drill Team! #HornetProuid #BuildingChampions

We loved showing our Seniors off at last Friday Night's Football Game! Check out a glimpse of our Seniors #HornetProud #BuildingChampions #classof2024

What an exciting time it was at last Friday Night's Game!!! #HornetProud #BuildingChampions